SEPA supports the recycling of sewage sludge to farmland where this is carried out in accordance with statutory requirements. The potential fertiliser and soil conditioning properties of sewage sludge are well known.

Adherence by sludge producers to the guidelines for the safe application of sewage sludge to agricultural land, known as the "ADAS Safe Sludge Matrix", is strongly supported by SEPA. It is hoped that the safeguards provided by this voluntary agreement will shortly be given statutory force in Scotland. The Scottish Executive "Water Quality and Standards, 2002-2006” consultation paper refers to the amended Regulations being introduced in 2001.

The Matrix is a published leaflet. It sets out clear guidance on the minimum level of treatment for any sewage sludge applied to a crop or as part of a rotation. The latest version of the Safe Sludge Matrix can be found on the Water UK and ADAS websites: www.water.org.uk and www.adas.co.uk/matrix. The Matrix is an agreement between Water UK (represents all water companies and water authorities) and the British Retail Consortium (represents major retailers).

SEPA is the enforcing authority for The Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations 1989 (as amended). These Regulations implement European legislation on the protection of the environment, and in particular of the soil, when sewage sludge is used in agriculture. Under the Regulations, SEPA audits registers maintained by sludge producers on the amount of sludge produced and supplied for use in agriculture, including details of where such spreading activity has taken place and the analysis of the sludge and the soil. A number of field inspections are also undertaken by SEPA to enforce these Regulations.

The quantity of sludge produced in Scotland is increasing due to the investment by water authorities in improved treatment at sewage works. Disposal by dumping to sea was banned with effect from the end of December 1998 under the EC Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. Sewage sludge is used in land reclamation, energy production, forestry and on agricultural land and SEPA currently regulates these activities under The Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations 1989.

ENDS